Kethril Read Online Free PDF Page B

with a fingertip, creating goosebumps on his
skin.
    Every morning and evening, he would do
exercises to stay sharp. He didn’t take out his sword very often as
it would upset the ladies. Much of his routine was meditation.
Tathan had discovered that his mind was the most important thing to
keep sharp. A clear head had enabled him to escape rough jams more
than strength, speed or swordplay ever had.
    “I know you’re a man,” Liselle admitted. “I
never said you weren’t.”
    “Yeah, but you keep calling us boys.” Tathan
tried to ignore the feelings created by the princess’s fingers
running over his chest.
    “So?” Liselle raised an eyebrow, suggesting
that he was being irrational. She turned to Vevin. “Does it bother
you when I say boys?”
    Vevin hated when she dragged him into
disagreements. “I’m not a boy or a man. I’m a dragon,” he pointed
out without answering the question.
    Liselle persisted. “Yes, but does it bother
you when I call you and Tathan boys?”
    “No. I’m a dragon,” Vevin reiterated. “You
can call me whatever you like and I’m still a dragon.”
    “There you are,” Liselle said conclusively
to Tathan. “Vevin has just proven my point.”
    Tathan tilted his head. “Huh?”
    “I don’t get your logic either.” Anilyia’s
fingers made their way down to his abdomen.
    “It’s simple. Whether I call Tathan a boy,
man or dragon, he is what he is and it shouldn’t matter to
him.”
    “He’s not a dragon,” Vevin disputed with a
frown. “I know that for certain.”
    “Yes. I know, dear.” Liselle patted his
knee. “It’s just an example.”
    “But why would you call him a dragon if he’s
not?” Vevin asked in confusion.
    “Yeah.” Tathan jumped on the logic, pointing
at Vevin. “What he said. I’m not a dragon, so you don’t call me
dragon. I’m also not a boy, so you shouldn’t call me a boy.”
    “You’re being very silly, Cousin.” Liselle
walked to her sleeping roll. “I know you’re a man. Now if you boys
are finished with your baths, please clean up the dishes. I’m going
to turn in for the night.”
    Vevin immediately grabbed the pot to begin
cleaning it while Tathan stared incredulously at Liselle’s back.
Anilyia had tuned out of the conversation, being more interested in
Tathan’s skin and muscles. Tathan helped Vevin clean up, which only
took a few minutes. When they were done, Vevin went to lie down
with Liselle. Anilyia had stared at Tathan the entire time he was
doing dishes. Her gaze aroused him just as much as her touch. She
held her hand out for him to go with her.
    They walked into the forest a ways. Tathan
knew it was dangerous, but didn’t care. He was tense and needed a
release. If a monster, tree or carnivorous fairies tried to attack
him, they were going to be in for the shock of their lives.
    A few minutes later, they came to a glade.
Piohray, one of Ryallon’s two moons was full directly above,
casting a dim red light. Siahray had yet to rise. Anilyia looked at
him yearningly, the moonlight giving her skin an eerie pink cast.
Tathan took her in his arms and kissed deeply. She reached her arms
around his shoulders and returned the kiss.
    It was said that Piohray’s light had an
intoxicating effect that aroused passion within lovers. Neither
Tathan nor Anilyia said a word as they lay down together in that
glade, spending the night making passionate love with no regard to
whatever consequences might come of it.
     
    ***
     
    The next morning they woke in each other’s
arms to the sound of chirping birds. Nothing had disturbed their
lovemaking or sleep and light was beginning to appear in the east.
Anilyia, stretched out on top of him, smiled as she ran her hand
over his chest. He returned the smile and arched his back to work
out the kinks from lying on the ground. Dew clung to Anilyia’s hair
when Tathan kissed the top of her head. The smell of her platinum
locks mingled pleasantly with the wet grass.
    She repositioned